Relentless of their 3-0 sweep of New Zealand, England captain Ben Stokes stated there will likely be no let-up in depth in opposition to India within the upcoming rescheduled fifth Test.
Under the management of Stokes and new coach Brendon McCullum, England recorded an outstanding 3-0 win within the Test collection in opposition to reigning WTC champions New Zealand, capping it off with a seven-wicket victory within the third and remaining match at Headingley.
The one-off Test in opposition to India, part of final yr’s five-match collection, which was deserted on account of a COVID-19 outbreak, will start at Edgbaston on Friday. “Trust me when I say this. We’ll be coming out with exactly the same (aggressive) mindset, even though it’s a different opposition,” Stokes stated on Monday. “Obviously, it’s going to be a totally totally different… totally different opposition, with their assault and gamers as effectively.
“We’ll be concentrating on what we’ve done well over these last three games and look to continue that against India on Friday.” The guests are main the five-match collection 2-1 however will face a revitalised England, which comprise solely 4 members — Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Bairstow and James Anderson — from final yr’s fourth Test in opposition to the Indians.
Stokes himself was not out there for the collection final yr as he had taken a break to give attention to his psychological well being. England endured a tricky time in the previous few months, profitable simply as soon as in 17 Tests earlier than the New Zealand collection.
Praising his teammates for turning issues round, Stokes stated: “To walk away with a 3-0 series win over the best team in the world is a pretty special start.” “I’ve got to show a huge amount of testament to the team over these three games. They’ve been absolutely phenomenal.” Stokes took over the captaincy after Root relinquished the place following England’s 0-1 collection defeat to the West Indies in April.
“When I took over this job, it was more than results for me. It was about changing the mindset of the lads towards Test cricket, about having fun, and enjoying the fact that you’re out there representing your country, and the results look after itself. “But to say that we’ve done it so quickly is just unbelievable. I can only do so much, so I’ve got to show a huge amount of credit to Brendon, in the way that he’s come in and influenced this group.”
